Longframlington – St Mary

I had spent a lovely morning at the National Trust property at Cragside – the tulips were stunning:

Then I called in at St Mary the Virgin, Longframlington on the way home (NU131010). It dates to about 1190 and is built of local stone.

A fourteenth century porch is rather nice, although I didn’t take a photo of the head of Christ which is at the top of the door. According to the guidebook, I also missed a panelled Jacobean chest, with ten trees carved in its cornice. I think I’d better come back …

Inside the chancel arch is original, although there was a late Victorian restoration. It all feels very settled – as if it’s always been there, and is content and welcoming.

Outside, on the north side, foundations have been laid for a new parish centre, and I liked this headstone.